Lemon Cake for a Crowd

If you’re looking to brighten up your next gathering with a dessert that’s both refreshing and irresistibly moist, this Lemon Cake for a Crowd is exactly what you need. Bursting with zesty lemon flavor, balanced sweetness, and a luscious cream cheese frosting, this cake is designed to impress and satisfy a large group of friends or family. Whether it’s a birthday party, potluck, or a sunny afternoon picnic, this cake stands as a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make and even easier to love.

Why This Lemon Cake for a Crowd Stands Out

This Lemon Cake for a Crowd is more than just your average citrus dessert. Its tender crumb is achieved by the perfect combination of buttermilk and sour cream, which keeps the cake incredibly moist and soft, even days after baking. The dual lemon extracts along with fresh lemon zest and juice pack a vibrant, authentic lemon punch that feels fresh and lively without being overpowering. The cream cheese frosting, enriched with lemon juice and extract, adds a tangy sweetness that complements the cake beautifully.

What really sets this recipe apart is its scalability. Designed to serve a large group, it uses generous quantities of ingredients to bake a substantial cake that can be sliced into plenty of servings without losing that delicate texture or flavor. Plus, every component—from the batter to the frosting—is made with common pantry staples, so no complicated or exotic ingredients are necessary.

What You’ll Need

• 2 and 3/4 cups (343 grams) all-purpose flour
• 2 and 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (8 ounces) unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon lemon extract
• 1/2 cup buttermilk, at room temperature
• 1/2 cup sour cream, at room temperature
• 1 and 1/2 tablespoons lemon zest, finely grated
• 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
• 8 ounces cream cheese, very soft
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, very soft
• 3 cups confectioners sugar, sifted
• 2 and 1/2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon extract

Prep & Cook Tools

• Two 9-inch round cake pans – for even baking
• Electric mixer or stand mixer – to cream butter and sugar and whip frosting
• Mixing bowls – for dry and wet ingredients
• Microplane or fine grater – for zesting lemons
• Measuring cups and spoons – for accuracy
• Rubber spatula – for folding batter gently
• Wire cooling racks – to cool cakes evenly
• Offset spatula or butter knife – for frosting the cake smoothly

Lemon Cake for a Crowd Made Stepwise

Step 1: Prepare Your Pans and Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your two 9-inch round cake pans thoroughly and line the bottoms with parchment paper to prevent sticking. This ensures your cakes come out perfect every time.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside. This step guarantees a light, airy texture by evenly distributing the leavening agents.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

Using an electric mixer, cream the unsalted butter and granulated sugar together on medium-high speed until the mixture is light and fluffy. This typically takes about 4 to 5 minutes and is essential for a soft crumb.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Extracts

One at a time, add the eggs to the creamed butter mixture, beating well after each addition. Then mix in the vanilla and lemon extracts to infuse the batter with fragrant citrus notes.

Step 5: Incorporate Dry Ingredients and Dairy

Alternately add the dry ingredients and the buttermilk mixed with sour cream into the butter mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Fold gently after each addition until just combined. Overmixing here can make the cake tough.

Step 6: Add Lemon Zest and Juice

Fold in the finely grated lemon zest and fresh lemon juice carefully. These fresh ingredients are the heart of the lemon flavor that make this cake stand out.

Step 7: Bake the Cake

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.

Step 8: Prepare the Frosting

In a large bowl, beat the very soft cream cheese and unsalted butter together until creamy and smooth. Gradually add the sifted confectioners sugar, lemon juice, and lemon extract. Beat until the frosting is light, fluffy, and spreadable.

Step 9: Assemble and Frost

Once the cakes are completely cool, place one layer on your serving plate. Spread a generous layer of frosting over the top, then place the second cake layer on top. Frost the top and sides of the entire cake evenly. For an extra touch, sprinkle some lemon zest on top for garnish.

Fresh Takes Through the Year

• Spring: Add fresh blueberries or raspberries between layers for a fruity twist.
• Summer: Serve alongside a refreshing Strawberry Lemonade for the perfect sunny pairing.
• Fall: Incorporate a hint of cinnamon or cardamom in the batter for warm spice undertones.
• Winter: Top with candied lemon slices or a drizzle of white chocolate for festive flair.

Author’s Commentary

• This recipe is a labor of love designed to be fuss-free yet elegant. The combination of buttermilk and sour cream is a game-changer for cake moisture and texture.
• The lemon extract is essential for amplifying the citrus aroma without adding bitterness, which can sometimes happen with too much fresh lemon juice.
• Make sure your cream cheese and butter are very soft before making the frosting to avoid lumps and achieve a perfectly smooth finish.
• When serving this cake, it pairs beautifully with light, citrus-inspired dishes—try it alongside a savory dish like Garlic Butter Lemon Tilapia for a well-rounded meal.

Make Ahead Like a Pro

This Lemon Cake for a Crowd actually tastes even better the next day, as the flavors meld together beautifully. You can bake the cake layers and store them tightly wrapped in plastic wrap at room temperature for up to 24 hours before frosting. The frosting can be prepared a day in advance and refrigerated; just bring it to room temperature and give it a quick whip before spreading. Once assembled, the whole cake can be covered and refrigerated for up to two days. Allow the cake to come to room temperature before slicing to ensure the best texture and flavor.

Quick Q&A

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes! Substituting the all-purpose flour with a blend of gluten-free flours designed for baking should work well. Just make sure to use a blend that includes xanthan gum for structure.

What if I don’t have lemon extract?

If you don’t have lemon extract, you can increase the amount of fresh lemon zest and juice slightly to boost the flavor. Using pure vanilla extract alone will still yield a delicious cake but with less pronounced lemon notes.

How should I store leftover cake?

Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results, bring slices to room temperature before serving.

Can I freeze the cake?

Absolutely! Wrap the unfrosted cake layers tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before frosting.

Keep Cooking

• For a tangy seafood dinner to complement this cake, try the Garlic Butter Lemon Tilapia.
• If you want to pair this dessert with a refreshing beverage, the Strawberry Lemonade is a perfect match.
• Explore other delightful desserts like classic lemon bars or a simple lemon pudding for a citrus-themed celebration.
• Try experimenting with different frostings such as a light whipped cream or a tangy mascarpone spread for a different finish.

Let’s Eat

Gather your friends, slice up this stunning Lemon Cake for a Crowd, and watch it disappear in no time. The balance of tart lemon and sweet cream cheese frosting will have everyone asking for your recipe. It’s the kind of cake that feels like sunshine on a plate—perfect for any occasion where you want to share something special and memorable.

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